Public Open Day: Geology

Location: Institute of Making, Malet Place, UCL, London, WC1E 7JE Map
It's free, no need to book, just drop in from 1pm.
Gates close at 5pm.

This November we will be celebrating everything geological as part of the Festival of Geology, in partnership with the Geologists’ Association.

We will be showcasing some of the rare rocks, minerals and fossils from the UCL Geology Collection and Materials Library See a meteorite that is composed up of a rare type of iron not found on earth. Play with naturally magnetic sand from California. Gaze into our obsidian mirror, which has a long history of association with the supernatural. Watch master flintknapperKarl Lee make delicate tools, weapons and decorative items lump of flint.

We will also be exploring the world of geological fakery with fool's gold, synthetic rubies and Brighton rock. Can you spy the synthetic diamond?
And have a go at making and naming your own fake rock with prop maker Richard Graham.

Try your hand at carving a soft materials, like chalk, chocolate, cheese and soap; architectural stonemason Paul Jakeman will be on hand to lend carving tips!